Since its inception in 1991, the ISPE-CaSA Chapter has expanded its reach to include its current seven-state territory. Today, the CaSA Chapter is among the largest within ISPE, a nonprofit global association serving its members by leading scientific, technical, and regulatory advancement throughout the entire pharmaceutical lifecycle. ISPE-CaSA serves more than 1,200 members within the pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences disciplines, providing access to a variety of educational resources, networking and socializing opportunities, and professional development programs.
The CaSA Chapter offers robust opportunities to support all members’ professional growth. Educational events range from sharing industry knowledge, standards, and best practices to learning opportunities for students, young professionals, and those new to our industry. Networking events—which include golf tournaments, sporting events, seasonal galas, and monthly gatherings at local venues—offer members ample opportunities to connect, socialize, and expand their contacts. And the ISPE-Casa Chapter’s Annual Life Sciences and Technology Show brings attendees together from across the country to share ideas, gain new insights, explore cutting-edge solutions and technologies, and form career-building relationships.
Led by distinguished professionals within the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, the Board of Directors guides the Chapter’s seven specialized Committees. Each Chapter Committee includes dedicated chairs, co-chairs and Chapter members—all volunteers—who carry out its core mission. Often, the Committees work cross-functionally to produce educational and social events or a combination of both.
The CaSA Chapter also provides a scholarship fund, established in 2015, to encourage students seeking a career in the life sciences industry. The Jane Brown Scholarship Program is open to the CaSA Chapter’s Emerging Leaders members who are enrolled in either an undergraduate or graduate field of study at an accredited university or college.
If you’re not yet a member of ISPE, you can learn more about its numerous benefits. If you’re already a member, you can amplify the benefits of your ISPE membership by volunteering to serve on one of our Committees.
ISPE-CaSA’s History of Growth and Achievement
In 1991, the ISPE Carolinas Chapter was formed by a Steering Committee spearheaded by Patricia Lewis, a former ISPE Boston Chapter member. Approximately 60 people attended the new Chapter’s first meeting, which featured an FDA presentation. Over the course of its next two meetings, attendance soared from 100 to 200 people. In its second year, Chapter membership grew to include more than 300 industry professionals.
Throughout the 90s, the Chapter continued to grow rapidly, adding Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, which prompted its name change to Carolina and South-Atlantic Chapter (CaSA). In 2004, the Chapter added Tennessee to its territory.
The CaSA Chapter has distinguished itself throughout its history, winning multiple “Chapter Excellence of the Year” awards. In addition, the CaSA Chapter developed the first Chapter Handbook in 1993, which remains the prototype for all ISPE Chapter and Affiliate Handbooks.
Special thanks go to long-time CaSA Chapter member and past-President Jane Brown for being the Chapter’s unofficial historian.
